Digital Volunteers

Technology enables us all to connect with people around the world 24/7, access information, join groups, download music and watch TV programmes. Community Champions helps give older people equal opportunities to enjoy the benefits of digital inclusion.

“Last week I helped him contact his daughter in Australia by Skype. I met her when she was over at Christmas. She rang when I was visiting. He mentioned that I was there so she asked if I could help him Skype her. I did and left them both chatting away on the Skype video link. This week when I visited, he told me he has now Skyped his son in New Zealand.”

Sometimes the volunteers visit a couple of times to refresh the client’s memory or to show them a new programme. Other times they begin with how to switch on the machine and it may take a number of weeks to cover the basics. Every client is different and works at their own pace.

Digital Volunteers have additional training, which looks at the way that people learn, how to stay safe online, the popular programmes and applications people use, and boundaries.

“Using my laptop enables me to bank online, to use the doctor’s practice website, keep in touch with friends and explore my family history – it’s amazing!”

Digital Volunteers also run monthly digital support sessions on the first Wednesday morning of each month at Market Harborough Library, and on the second Monday morning of each month at Lutterworth Library.